Collapsible mop frame improvement

ABSTRACT

A collapsible mop frame having two wing sections, one pivoted upon the other. The two wing sections of the mop frame may be selectively locked to form an integrated mop support rigidly held in a common plane or unlocked and collapsed by pivoting one wing section relative to the other. The latter operation facilitates the removal and/or mounting of mop fabric thereof. A novel locking means is provided cooperating between the two wing sections, whereby portions of the two wing sections may be caused to selectively engage and disengage one another by squeezing of portions of one wing section toward one another.

Carter COLLAPSIBLE MOP FRAME IMPROVEMENT [75] Inventor: Harry T. Carter, Chanute, Kans.

[73] Assignee: FibracJncNCharrUte, Kans.

[22] Filed: Aug. 10, 1973 [21] Appl. No.: 387,467

[52] U.S. Cl 15/147 A [51] Int. Cl A471 13/253 [58] Field of Search ..15/147 R, 147 A, 149, 15/229 AP, ,29 BP. 233

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,392,741 10/1921 Bonsall l5/l47 A 2,095,917 10/1937 Cave 15/147 A 2,310,011 2/1943 Cave et al 15/229 BP UX 2,967,320 l/l96l Short l5/147A 3,082,456 3/1963 Short 15/147 A [451 Feb. 11, 1975 12/1964 Smyth l5/l47 A [57] ABSTRACT A collapsible mop frame having two wing sections, one pivoted upon the other. The two wing sections of the mop frame may be selectively locked to form an integrated mop support rigidly held in a common plane or unlocked and collapsed by pivoting one wing section relative to the other. The latter operation facilitates the removal and/or mounting of mop fabric thereof. A novel locking means is provided cooperating between the two wing sections, whereby portions of the two wing sections may be caused to selectively engage and disengage one another by squeezing of portions of one wing section toward one another.

2 Claims, 4 Drawing Figures 8/1969 Goettel 15/147 R COLLAPSIBLE MOP FRAME IMPROVEMENT SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The subject collapsible mop frame or support is constructed for use with pocketed mop fabrics of the type having opposed pockets on the upper surfaces thereof. The planar length of the mop frame is comprised of two wing sections which have rounded or semi-circular tip portions extending outwardly from substantially parallel (transverse) support rods. One of the wing sections has engaging loops at the inboard end thereof to encircle the transverse support rod on the other wing section, thereby to be pivotable therearound. The transverse support rod of the pivotable mounted wing section is itself closely mounted on the loops at the inboard end thereof whereby to rigidize that portion thereof. A reenforcing structure is mounted on the inboard end of the nonpivoting wing section inboard of its transverse support rod which also serves to rigidize the inboard end of the basic wing section. The reenforcement is useable as a handle mounting means. The most inboard end of the basic (non-pivoting wing section has centrally opposed and open ends whereby to be alternately engaged and disengaged by selected portions of the pivoting wing section. Each of the wing sections is basically arectangular wire frame having the described engaging and rigidifying support structure as well as attachment means for a mop handle.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION One of the objects of the instant invention is to provide a uniquely contructed mop frame that may be quickly and easily collapsed and reassembled to facilitate the removal and/or mounting of conventional mop fabrics thereupon.

Another object is to provide a mop frame of the character described including a simple yet unique locking mechanism that normally fixedly holds two mop fabric engaging wing sections in a secure and common plane, yet which may be quickly, easily and conveniently released to permit collapsing of same.

Another object of the invention is to provide a mop frame of the type described having a reenforced center portion cooperating with the other structural features of the invention, including a locking mechanism to form a frame having a low center of gravity with a little or no tendency to roll during the using of same. Further, the unique character of the reenforced center eliminates structural weaknesses quite common in hinged connections, as well as providing a very convenient surface for affixing the handle.

Another object of the invention is to provide a rugged, lightweight, long lasting, low cost, collapsible mop frame which is easy to manufacture and which may be assembled by a relatively simple arc welding process. An equally important feature enbodied in the instant improvement resides in its smooth finish and total elimination of pins, rivets, springs and other projections which often result in premature wear and deterioration of mop fabric in normal use thereof.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a collapsible mop frame having a unique locking and unlocking mechanism provided therewith which facilitates the quick and easy locking and unlocking of the wing sections for transit from and into the operating mop fabric supporting position.

Other and further objects of the invention will appear in the course of the following description thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a three-quarter perspective view from above of the subject improved collapsible mop frame in the operating position which same would take carrying a mop in use.

FIG. 2 is a view like that of FIG. 1, but with the frame unhinged, the hinged portion thereof downwardly swiveled around the hinge.

FIG. 3 is afragmentary, enlarged, side view of the center portion of the mop frame of FIGS. 1 and 2, the view in full line showing the mop frame in the operating position of FIG. I, the view in dotted lines showing the pivotable portion of the frame pivoting clockwise in the view around the frame toward the position of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary top view of the center portion of the subject collapsible mop frame (the same portion as in FIG. 3), the full line (illustrating) the frame locked in position for use as in FIG. I and in the full line showing of FIG; 3; the dotted line illustrating the method of disengageing the pivotable portion of the frame from its engagement which the main part of the frame so same can be pivoted as seen in dotted lines in FIG. 3 and full lines in FIG. 2.

Referring to the drawings and, first to FIGS. 1 and 2, the improved collapsible mop frame basically comprises a pair of opposed first (l0) and second (11) wing sections. Each of these wing sections is of general U- shape with the curved portions of the U forming, in each case, the outer end thereof. Thus, in the case of the first wing section generally designated 10, there are side walls 10a and 10b and an outer or outboard end wall (curved) portion 100. Second frame portion or wing section 11 has parallel side wall members 1 la and 11b with curved outer or outboard end portion llc. The two wing sections 11 and 10 are hinged, one on the other, as will be described in more detail subsequently, so that they may pivot with respect to one another around the hinge to the position of FIG. 2, from the operating or working position of FIG. 1. (Sufficient arcuate or pivotal movement is required to disengage the wing sections from the pockets of a cloth mop carried by the frame.)

That is, the position of FIG. I (with the two wing sections 10 and 11 locked in parallel (in line) relationship with one another) is the working position, where each of the wing sections 10 and 11 would be engaging one pocket of a two pocket mop fabric of conventional construction. In order that the mop frame be disengageable from a pocketed mop fabric, the wing sections 10 and 11 would be engageing one pocket of a two pocket mop fabric of conventional construction. In order that the mop frame be disengageable from a pocketed mop fabric, the wing sections must be disengageable from one another and movable to the position of FIG. 2. The detailed construction which permits, first, a rigid structure of considerable strength as seen in FIG. 1 and (2) a collapsed structure as seen in FIG. 2 will now be described.

The second wing section 11 is the basic structural member ofthe frame. Its side walls and 11b extend parallel to one another in their length except for the outboard end curved portion 11c and the inboard ends lld and 1 1e, which are inwardly angled toward one another (particularly see FIG. 4). Intermediate the inboard and outboard ends of wing section 11, but closer to the inboard ends lle and 11d, there is provided a rigid transverse bar 12 connecting the side walls 11a and 11b at right angles thereto. This bar 12 is preferably, but not necessarily, mounted on the upper sides of the side walls 11a and 11b of wing section 11. More closely adjacent the inboard ends 11b and 11e of wing section 11, there is provided a pair of transverse members l3 and 14 connecting between side walls 11a and 11b, same carrying another bar 15 at substantial right angles thereto. As seen in the figures, the transverse members 13 and 14 may be upwardly angled from the plane of the device whereby to elevate the bar 15 thereabove. This permits attachment of a mop handle to member 15 above the plane of the device if desired Alternatively, the members 13 and 14 may be straight members lying flat across the top of the side walls 11a and 11b in the manner of bar of member 12, whereby the connection to the mop handle will be in the plane of the frame.

Referring now to first wing section 10, the inboard portions of the side walls 10a and 10b thereof are displaced inwardly (particularly see FIG. 4 and FIG. 1) whereby same will lie inside of the side walls 11a and 11b when the wing sections are in locked or operating position as in FIG. 1. These inwardly displaced portions of side walls 10a and 10b are designated 10c and 10a. Further inboard of the frame at the innermost or most inboard portions of the wing section 10, there are provided loops We and lfencircling transverse bar member 12 whereby to provide the hinge mounting previously described. Immediately outboard of the loops 102 and f there is provided a rigidifying transverse bar member 16 rigidly connecting and at right angles to the wall portions 10c and 10d of wing section 10. Finally, wall portions 10c and 10d of wing section 10. Finally, wall portions 10c and 10d are arcuately configured at 10g and 10h whereby to fit over and engage the end wall portions 11d and lle of wing section 11.

In operation, since the wing sections 10 and 11 are constructed of relatively light metal bar stock or spring wire stock of at least slightly resilient character, the user of the collapsible mop frame may grasp the wing section 10 immediately outboard of portion 10g and 10h thereof with one hand and, by gripping same, with reasonable effort, resiliently compress or move the side walls 10a and 10b (and 100 and 10d as well) inwardly as seen in dotted lines in FIG. 4. If the device is in the operating or engaged position as seen in FIG. 1, this inward movement of the side walls of wing section 10 will permit the disengagement of wing section 10 from the inwardly extending stubs or end portions 11d and 112 to permit the pivotal movement of the wing sections with respect to one another. Alternatively, if the frame is in disengaged or collapsed position as in FIG. 2'or the dotted lines of FIG. 3, the inward compression or movement toward one another of walls 10a and 10b will permit the moving ofthe frame into the parallel position as seen in full lines in FIG. 3. Release of the side walls 100 and 10b by the operator will permit the outward moving from the dotted line position of FIG. 4 to the full line position thereof for engagement of the arcuate portions 10g and 10h over the step ends 11d and lle.

From the foregoing, it will be seen that this invention is one well adapted to attain all of the ends and objects hereinabove set forth, together with other advantages which are obvious and which are inherent to the structure.

It will be understood that certain features and subcominations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims.

As many possible embodiments may be made of the invention without departing from the scope thereof, it is to be understood that all matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

I claim:

1. A collapsible mop frame, comprising opposed first and second wing sections,

each said wing section of U-shaped configuration with an outboard closed arcuate portion and substantially parallel inboard legs, the first wing being of spring wire stock, a transverse hinge bar connecting the legs of the sec ond wing section intermediate the end thereof,

the inboard ends of the first section wrapped around the said transverse bar to form a hinge connection, whereby to allow hinged arcuate movement of the wing sections relative to one another, the inboard ends of the first wing section lying inside of the inboard ends of the second wing section,

the inboard ends of the second wing section inwardly turned and limited portions of the first wing section legs arcuately configured intermediate the ends thereof whereby the former may underlie the latter when the sections are in plane with one another,

leg portions of the first wing section resiliently engagable and disengagable with the inwardly turned inboard ends of the second wing section by compression and release of the first section legs intermediate the ends thereof toward and away from one another,

transverse bar means interconnecting the second section legs between their inboard inturned ends and the hinge bar whereby to rigidly position said legs with respect to one another,

transverse bar means interconnecting the first section legs closely adjacent their inboard ends whereby to rigidly fix the first section legs with respect to one another next to the hinge, and

means connected to said second wing section inboard of the hinge bar operative to receive attachment of a mop handle.

2. A collapsible mop frame as in claim 1 wherein the outboard first section legs are laterally displaced further apart whereby to lie substantially in line with the second section legs when the sections are in plane with one another. 

1. A collapsible mop frame, comprising opposed first and second wing sections, each said wing section of U-shaped configuration with an outboard closed arcuate portion and substantially parallel inboard legs, the first wing being of spring wire stock, a transverse hinge bar connecting the legs of the second wing section intermediate the end thereof, the inboard ends of the first section wrapped around the said transverse bar to form a hinge connection, whereby to allow hinged arcuate movement of the wing sections relative to one another, the inboard ends of the first wing section lying inside of the inboard ends of the second wing section, the inboard ends of the second wing section inwardly turned and limited portions of the first wing section legs arcuately configured intermediate the ends thereof whereby the former may underlie the latter when the sections are in plane with one another, leg portions of the first wing section resiliently engagable and disengagable with the inwardly turned inboard ends of the second wing section by compression and release of the first section legs intermediate the ends thereof toward and away from one another, transverse bar means interconnecting the second section legs between their inboard inturned ends and the hinge bar whereby to rigidly position said legs with respect to one another, transverse bar means interconnecting the first section legs closely adjacent their inboard ends whereby to rigidly fix the first section legs with respect to one another next to the hinge, and means connected to said second wing section inboard of the hinge bar operative to receive attachment of a mop handle.
 2. A collapsible mop frame as in claim 1 wherein the outboard first section legs are laterally displaced further apart whereby to lie substantially in line with the second section legs when the sections are in plane with one another. 